The Very Best Things To Do In Mudgee Australian Traveller Australian Traveller

There’s more to Mudgee than just eating and drinking – although there is a lot of that, too.

Mudgee is well known as one of the country’s best wine regions, but alongside its award-winning drops, you’ll also discover enchanting nature experiences, a cultural hub of activities and plenty of memorable eats. Here, find the best things to do in Mudgee.

1. Cycle the wineries with Tour de Vine

Fresh air, country roads and an intense concentration of cellar doors – Mudgee is a mecca ready and waiting for wine lovers. Hop on a bicycle and explore some of the finest scenery and fecund food baskets in all of Australia.

Couple on bicycles in vineyard — Hop on a bicycle and explore some of the finest wineries.

The Tour de Vines ‘Tour de Mudgee’ self-guided cellar door cycling tour will see you roll between vineyards with relative ease.

cheese and wine at Logan Wines, Mudgee — Sample wines while admiring the scenic landscape in Logan Wines. (Image: Destination NSW)

Indulge in a long lunch at Logan Wines , devour an Italian-style aperitivo board at First Ridge , sample the range of High Valley Cheese at The Cellar by Gilbert and go underground at Pieter Van Gant.

This is a great way to indulge in the region’s bounty of wine and produce. And don’t worry about the wobbly ride home – if you have one too many wines, there’s a support vehicle on hand. Check out a full list of wineries and cellar doors in Mudgee to plan ahead.

First Ridge Wines in Mudgee — Explore First Ridge’s winery.

2. Marvel at Mudgee from the air with Balloon Aloft

A serene ride in a hot air balloon with Balloon Aloft is the perfect way to see Mudgee in all its glory. Set your alarm for an early start and meet at Cade’s Kitchen in Mudgee. Pile into the basket and ascend above one of the state’s most picturesque places.

a hot balloon in Mudgee, Balloon Aloft — See Mudgee in all its glory in a hot air balloon.

The morning sky will reveal views of the iconic vineyards below, as well as the townships of Rylstone, Kandos, Hill End and more. The sunrise balloon flights are approximately one hour in duration and are followed by a delicious Champagne breakfast back on land.

people riding a hot air balloon with Balloon Aloft, Mudgee — Drift through the Mudgee sky with Balloon Aloft.

3. Walk the Drip Gorge

The Drip Walking Track , located within the Goulburn River State Conservation Area, is a place of significance for the local Wiradjuri people. Fifty kilometres north of Mudgee, the 2.8-kilometre return walk follows alongside the Goulburn River to the Great Dripping Wall. Rainwater trickles through the porous rock face, creating a cool oasis that is usually 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the surrounding region on a hot day.

The rich diversity of plant life along the track is also one of its many marvels. Keep an eye out for native apple gums, tree violets (named for their scent) and rocky outcrops with orchids and moss. After your walk, cool down in the Goulburn River or marvel at ‘Hands on the Rock’ – the awe-inspiring rock site stencil made by the Wiradjuri people in Ulan.

4. See a performance at the Prince of Wales Opera House

Mudgee is home to the oldest, still-operating opera house in the southern hemisphere. The Prince of Wales Opera House was built in 1871 by John Hart Cogden and has provided a stage for some incredible operatic talent over the years, such as Dame Nelly Melba.

the Prince of Wales Opera House in Mudgee — The Prince of Wales Opera House is the oldest, still-operating opera house in the southern hemisphere.

The riches of the goldfields allowed an early impresario to engage some of the most famous performers of the time. Interestingly, Henry Lawson’s first experience at a theatre was at The Prince of Wales Opera House to see a performance of The Pirates of Penzance.

a look inside the Prince of Wales Opera House, Mudgee — Keep an eye out for upcoming shows at the Prince of Wales Opera House.

The theatre closed in the 1960s and remained so until its current owners, Gulgong Amateur Musical and Dramatical Society, restored it to its former glory. Keep an eye out for upcoming shows and stop by the Prince of Wales Hotel next door for fabulous pub fare or use it as a base to explore Gulgong’s charming surroundings and bed down in the award-winning accommodation.

the Prince of Wales Hotel in Mudgee — Check out the Prince of Wales Hotel next door.

5. Paddle onto the water with Southern Cross Kayaking

Diversify your food and wine trip to Mudgee by getting eye-level with nature out on the water.

Join a kayak tour or hire a paddleboard at Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp with Southern Cross Kayaking to wind along the pristine Cudgegong River that cuts its way through the Wollemi National Park.

a kayak by the side of Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp — Go kayaking at Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp. (Image: Destination NSW)

Follow it up with a walk through the park to discover intricately shaped rock faces and diverse wildlife waiting around every bend.

the Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp in Wollemi National Park — Bask in the serenity at Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Sip on a pint at Mudgee Brewing Co.

Mudgee’s only microbrewery is housed in a 100-year-old former wool store that was previously owned by the Anglican Church. Gary Leonard, a former coal miner, took ownership of the space in 2007 and transformed it into the thriving brewery it is today.

mash tuns used for brewing production in Mudgee Brewing Co. — Mudgee’s only microbrewery is housed in a 100-year-old former wool store. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inside, you’ll find a rotating list of the latest beers brewed onsite, live music two nights a week, an open mic night on Thursdays and trivia on Wednesdays and, unlike most breweries, this one goes the extra mile to offer table service. If you need a caffeine fix they also serve Fish River Roasters Coffee.

people dining inside Mudgee Brewing Co. — You’ll find a rotating list of the latest beers brewed onsite. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Finesse your skills at The Little Cooking School

Hone your culinary skills at The Little Cooking School. This informal, relaxed creative space offers casual cooking classes for the culinarily curious – no matter your skill level.

The class will take you through a three-course menu that showcases the best regional produce before concluding with lunch and selected local wines to match. Owner Tamara has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality and commercial cooking industry and is renowned for throwing a good dinner party.

students enjoying a pasta dish at The Little Cooking School, Mudgee — Savour a three-course menu at The Little Cooking School. (Image: Destination NSW)

Prepare to leave with a full belly, some new recipes, tips and tricks, plus a few good stories as well. Classes are friendly and inclusive, so don’t be apprehensive about coming alone. You can also book as a group or enquire about a private class.

students enjoying their meals at The Little Cooking School, Mudgee — Afterwards, you can enjoy your self-prepared meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Get your culture fix at Mudgee Art House

Mudgee Art House is a gallery/cafe hybrid located right in the heart of Mudgee’s main jaunt. It was established by local artists, Warwick and Toni Behrens, and serves as the perfect place to begin, process and complete all manner of creative works.

Stop by to view the latest exhibiting artists, peruse fine art supplies or participate in an engaging workshop. The space also offers a fine art-to-frame service for artists seeking professional imaging solutions that include fine art photography, Giclée on rag printing and archival framing.

It’s also the home of contemporary Australian Fauve painter WarBëhr, whose recognisable colourful animal paintings adorn the walls of many homes of the rich and famous. Come by to select your own original from the wall – and forget to pick up a superb coffee from the café.

9. Get to a Mudgee market

Given the incredible agricultural fertility of the Mudgee region, it’s not surprising you’ll encounter a market on just about every weekend of the month. From incredibly fresh produce and artisan wares to crafts and trinkets, you’re going to find something to fill your market basket.

Hello Lovelies handcrafted seasonal cordials stall at the fine food Farmers Markets in Mudgee — Pop by the farmers markets in Mudgee. (Image: Amber Hooper)

There’s the Church Markets and Makers Market on the first weekend of the month, the Lawson Park Markets on the second and the unmissable Mudgee Farmers’ Market on the third Saturday of the month – particularly good if you’re staying in a cosy Airbnb nearby and can cook yourself up a seasonal feast.

You’ll also find perfectly perusable markets in the nearby towns of Rylstone, Gulgong, Capertee and Kandos.

the fine food Farmers Markets held at St Mary's Catholic Church in Mudgee — You’ll find markets in St Mary’s Catholic Church in Mudgee. (Image: Amber Hooper)

10. Go wine-tasting, of course

Well, this one is a bit obvious. But it’s worth mentioning that with more than 35 cellar doors in the area, many of which are award-winning, the prepared wine-taster is the happiest wine-taster. You can’t possibly fit it all into one weekend, let alone one week, so make a sip-list and schedule them in. But if you’d rather take your hands off the wheel (quite literally) and let yourself be guided by local knowledge, book a tour.

pouring wine into the glass at Logan Wines, Mudgee — Sample premium wines. (Image: Destination NSW)

11. Eat, eat and repeat at Mudgee’s best restaurants

We all know the relationship between wine and food is co-dependent. One really can’t relish one without the other. Happily, Mudgee excels at both. With almost as many wonderful restaurants and eateries as there are cellar doors, you’re not going to be short on places to indulge your bacchanalian tendencies. Check out our top picks for dining out and be sure to book ahead if you’re visiting Mudgee at peak times.

the Zin House Restaurant in Mudgee — The Zin House is popular for long lunches. (Image: Destination NSW)

12. Absorb settler history at the Mudgee Museum

The 60,000-article-strong collection of the Mudgee Museum spans many buildings, serving as a bricks-and-mortar memory for the area’s past. The first European to access Mudgee was James Blackman in 1821, who set about erecting the first town building by 1837. No doubt his endeavours were watched with concern by the local Wiradjuri people, who must have known the inevitability of what was to come. Come it did and with it, grazing, goldrushes and eventually grapes.

antique objects inside Mudgee Museum — Browse through antique finds inside the Mudgee Museum. (Image: Heather McCormick)

Donated largely by local families, the objects of the museum offer a fascinating insight to early Mudgee and her surrounds. Whether you’re a history buff or casually curious, time perusing the past here is well-spent.

modern vinyl dolls at Mudgee Museum — The Mudgee Museum also features vintage dolls. (Image: Heather McCormick)

13. Go for gold on a fossicking excursion

The moment the first nugget was unearthed in Hargraves in 1851, the rush was on. Prospecting and panning kicked off from Gulgong to Windeyer, and Mudgee became the centre for all rush-related activity. While the gold fever peaked in the 1870s and then petered out, who’s to say they found it all? You can try your luck panning and fossicking for that life-changing nugget at a handful of sites in the region. You might be the one to dig up a find that rivals the world’s largest single mass of gold, which weighed 285 kilograms and was mined nearby at Hills End in 1872. The Cudgegong River has also been known to toss up the odd diamond, ruby and sapphire.

an aerial view of the Lake Windamere — The Cudgegong River has been known to toss up the odd diamond, ruby and sapphire. (Image: Destination NSW)

14. Hit the boutiques

Elevate your country style with a spin around the fashion boutiques and homewares stores of Mudgee.

At Cloth & Feather , you’ll find beautiful textiles, French linens, rugs and throws to warm your abode.

a look inside Cloth & Feather boutique shop in Mudgee — Come by Cloth & Feather for all things textiles. (Image: Amber Creative)

At the Convent and Chapel Wool Shop , pick up a luxury yarn to spin into a cosy jumper.

yarn and wool items on display at Convent and Chapel Wool Shop, Mudgee — Pick luxury yarn at Convent and Chapel Wool Shop. (Image: Mudgee Region Tourism)

There are sunny and bright interiors and attire to covet at Good Day Lifestyle Co , in Gulgon head to Wear It Out for a selection of gorgeous kids and ladies’ fashion and head to Be-Spoke to find an outfit worthy of a night out.

a blurry shot of a person walking inside the boutique shop of Good Day Lifestyle Co. in Mudgee — Head to Good Day Lifestyle Co. for artsy and chic homewares.

15. Discover local Indigenous culture

Explore Wiradjuri Country with Aboriginal-owned company Milan Dhiiyaan in Goulburn River National Park, where Traditional Owners will guide you through the bush via the lens of the Wiradjuri people. You’ll immerse in the ritual of a smoking ceremony, listen to stories from the land and hear songs in the language. Or deep-dive into the flavours of the Wiradjuri with the unique Warakirri dining experience , where native bush foods and botanicals dance across your palate throughout a refined five-course degustation crafted by Indigiearth founder and Ngemba Weilwan woman Sharon Winsor.

the Warakirri dining experience in Mudgee — Deep dive into Wiradjuri flavours with the unique Warakirri dining experience. (Image: Jacquie Manning)

16. Wander Wollemi National Park

Balance out a wine-heavy itinerary in Mudgee with a deep dive into nature. The impressive World Heritage-listed Wollemi National Park is an incredible wilderness within easy reach of Mudgee.

sunset over the Cudgegong River in Wollemi National Park — The sun sets majestically over the Cudgegong River in Wollemi National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

Sunlit escarpments, glass-top rivers and tranquil forests ease you into a mediative calm where life beyond seems to fade pleasantly into the background.

the Colo River via T3 Trail, Wollemi National Park — Explore the Colo River via the T3 Trail. (Image: Destination NSW)

Spend the day hiking trails, such as the heart-lifting, one-hour Pagoda Lookout walking track, explore the glow worm tunnel and unfurl your swag for the night at the Coorongooba campground.

sunset in Wollemi National Park — Capture the fiery sky over Wollemi National Park at sunset. (Image: Destination NSW)

17. Explore nearby Rylstone

An easy 40-minute drive from Mudgee is the charming town of Rylstone. Set by the majestic Cudgegong River, this sandstone cottage-strewn village is edged by national parks and festooned with wineries.

the Rylstone signage in Mudgee — Drive to the charming town of Rylstone. (Image: Destination NSW)

Living up to country ideals, a stroll along the main street is an agrarian treat, although it’s best paused for tea at the much-celebrated dumpling house, 29 Nine 99 .

the exterior of 29 nine 99 Yum Cha and Tea House, Rylstone — Partake in an afternoon tea at 29 nine 99 Yum Cha and Tea House. (Image: Destination NSW)

While in town, be sure to tick off the Rylstone Heritage Walk, take a stroll through the fairy-like Ferntree Gully Reserve and enjoy an award-winning tipple at De Beaurepaire Wines , where it’s all-in on French-style vin.

the entrance to the De Beaurepaire Wines Tasting Room in Rylstone — Enjoy an award-winning tipple at De Beaurepaire Wines. (Image: Destination NSW)

18. Stargaze at Mudgee Observatory

Under dark night skies, away from any light pollution, a visit to the Mudgee Observatory will put stars in your eyes. This private observatory built by John Vetter invites everyone to gaze upwards through the lens of a telescope and tap into a wonder for the universe in which we live. There are a range of telescopes as well as a theatre and planetarium, where you can watch several features about space and beyond on rotation. Tours change seasonally and bookings are essential.

19. Go cherry picking at Roth Family Orchard

If you’re visiting Mudgee in summer, you’ll have the pick of the season’s cherries any morning of the week with a visit to Roth Family Orchard . You’ll need to book ahead to frolic amid the cherry trees and pick your fill of the plump and juicy fruit that is in abundance from about November. The kids will relish the experience, so be prepared to leave with red-stained mouths, fingers and clothes. When the cherry season concludes, you can visit the farm at sunset to pluck your own sunflowers.

20. Picnic in Lawson Park

With an abundance of produce and providore-procured goodies to harvest on your excursions around town, a picnic seems just the thing for a sunny lunch – particularly in autumn when the leaves glow with hues of gold. Head to the beautifully historic Lawson Park to roll out your rug and relax under the canopy of vast trees over a leisurely few hours. There are free barbecue facilities, picnic tables, and a tranquil creek amid the gardens. If you have wee ones in tow, they’ll love the playground and adjacent pool and waterpark.

21. Admire motorbikes at Robert Stein

Get your motor running with a poke about the motorbike museum located at the Robert Stein cellar door . Winery founder, Robert Stein, began his motorbike collection with a 1928 Douglas, from there it has expanded over 40 years in parallel with his eponymous wine label. Even if you’re not a fan of bikes, we recommend a visit to this winery for a tasting and some well-considered nibbles that feature Stein Farm produce, but if you have a heavy metal heart, you can’t miss this collection.

the Robert Stein cellar door in Mudgee — See the expansive motorbike collection at Robert Stein’s cellar door. (Image: Destination NSW)

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

21 of the very best things to do in Mudgee